Technology Advisor Blog



Ann Westerheim

Recent Posts

Regret to Resilience: What Small Businesses Learn After a Cyber Incident

Posted by Ann Westerheim on 3/25/25 3:11 PM

What to do after a cyber attack requires fast, strategic action to protect your business and stop further damage. A well-planned response can mean the difference between a brief disruption and a complete business shutdown that costs hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Your response in the first 24 hours shapes your recovery path and impacts your ability to resume operations. This guide outlines the proven recovery methods that have helped businesses survive attacks and rebuild stronger, plus practical steps to prevent future incidents from harming your operations. You'll learn exactly which actions to take, who to call, and how to minimize both financial losses and operational downtime.

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Tags: small business, small business technology advice., cybersecurity, incident response





Five Smart IT Cost Management Ideas for Growing Businesses

Posted by Ann Westerheim on 3/13/25 4:06 PM

IT spending choices directly impact your bottom line, with cloud solutions offering clear ways to control costs while building capabilities. Your technology investments - from email systems to cybersecurity tools - keep your company competitive without creating budget surprises.  I recall a conversation I had with a client years ago - a local business owner with about 25 employees - he said; "Ann, I just need all my tech to work, and at a reasonable price".  A lot has changed over the years - tech is so much more pervasive everywhere, and managing cyber risk is now a big part of it.  But the bottom line is the same:  IT spending choices directly impact your bottom line.

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Tags: small business technology, cybersecurity





Sweetheart Scams & Cyber Threats: Don’t Let Hackers Steal Your Heart… or Your Money

Posted by Ann Westerheim on 2/4/25 2:46 PM


February is here, and with Valentine's Day approaching, love is in the air - and online. But while people are searching for romance, cybercriminals are hunting for their next victim. Romance scams aren’t just a personal threat; they’re also a serious business risk. As employees blur the lines between personal and work device usage, scammers see an opportunity to infiltrate networks, steal credentials, and drain bank accounts. A single compromised account or financial scam can put an individual or an entire business at risk. Don’t let cybercriminals turn hearts - and your company’s security - into their next target.
 

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PCI Compliance & Beyond: What DMARC Means for Your Business

Posted by Ann Westerheim on 1/30/25 10:02 AM

 

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It's COLD Outside And Your Electronics Don't Like It!

Posted by Ann Westerheim on 1/22/25 10:31 AM

It's COLD outside! 

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Tags: performance, operating and storage temperatures for electronics





Truth in Tech: What Local Businesses Need to Know About the FTC’s Crackdown on Fake Reviews

Posted by Ann Westerheim on 12/9/24 4:58 PM

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has implemented the Consumer Reviews and Testimonials Rule to combat deceptive practices in online reviews and endorsements. This new rule went into effect October 21, 2024.

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Tags: small business, online safety, Artificial Intelligence





The One Easy Change That Reduces 99.9% of Your Microsoft 365 Security Risk

Posted by Ann Westerheim on 12/5/24 3:37 PM

Cybersecurity threats to Microsoft 365 accounts can be reduced by 99.9% through one simple, free solution: multi-factor authentication. Only about one-third of users currently implement this powerful security measure!

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Tags: cybersecurity, Microsoft 365, Cyber Insurance





Microsoft 365 and Multi-Factor Authentication: A Simple Step to Secure Your Small Business

Posted by Ann Westerheim on 11/18/24 10:49 AM

Did you know that Microsoft estimates that 99.99% of security incidents for Microsoft 365 involve accounts that don't have multi-factor authentication? (https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/partner-center/security/security-at-your-organization)  Microsoft 365 is one of the most targeted applications in the world by cyber criminals everywhere, and with a free and simple extra step, you can help safeguard your account.  

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Five Small Business Cybersecurity Threats You Can't Ignore

Posted by Ann Westerheim on 10/18/24 4:12 PM

Cybersecurity threats are a major concern for small businesses, especially through phishing emails and ransomware attacks.  No! You're not too small.  These harmful strategies can result in severe outcomes, including monetary setbacks, business interruptions, and harm to your company's reputation.

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Small Business, Big Threats: Why Cybersecurity Awareness Month Matters to You

Posted by Ann Westerheim on 10/7/24 4:44 PM

Cybersecurity threats create unique challenges for small businesses. With smaller budgets and potentially weaker defenses, these companies often struggle to protect themselves against widespread attacks.  October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and this is a great time to step up your cybersecurity awareness training with your team!

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Tags: Cybersecurity, email scams, cybersecurity, cybersecurity training





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